There was a good editorial here but you'll have to wait until later for it. Sorry.

Special Note:

If The Rapture(tm) should occur tomorrow (Saturday, May 21) at 6PM as predicted, I'm pretty sure that the editor of this newsletter and 99% of its readers will still be around for Monday's edition.

Coming to Terms

The League of Women Voters and Chase Media hosted a forum on Term Limits last evening at the county courthouse that will be available on cable and online in a few days. It was a long evening but well worth watching.

During my initial three-minute foray into why I stand against term limit laws, I brought up the issues of Instant Runoff Voting, (here, here and here) campaign finance reform and the abandonment of voting for candidates for no other reason than that they are from your political party, believing these to be permanent solutions to the problem, where term limit laws do nothing to fix a broken system. During the rest of the evening the discussion moved solidly into campaign finance reform and stayed there telling me that people reached out for term limits because they feel powerless to change the system.

See, *we* created the system and so we have to take responsibility to fix it, not maintain it, as term limits would do.

During one non-germane discussion regarding consolidation of state/county and town services, Assemblyman Steve Katz mentioned that New York was only one of three states that still had county government and that 47 states did not. When the audience and panel thought that odd, he replied by restating his position.

Well, I've been doing a little research on that and the answer is what we thought last night: he's wrong. Really wrong. So far I've been able to ID three states that do not have county government as we know it: Connecticut, Vermont and Louisiana, with the latter being an odd mix of municipal government at the parish (or county) level with some having extensive governments and services while the others maintain nothing more than a central courthouse to administer southern justice.

Vermont maintains "Shires" (counties) that, like Louisiana, are mainly in place for judicial (crime and courts) reasons but Vermont's shires also have small executive powers such as appointing highway commissioners with other powers mostly concentrated at the state level and are used to delineate state representative districts as well.

The question now arises, if the legislator is so vastly wrong on something this basic and simple, what else is he wrong about?

So the firebrand tea bagger from the 99th Assembly district is running around Albany trying to pass legislation on important issues with his core belief systems deeply flawed. I give the guy one term and so for that district, at least, term limits are not going to be necessary.

Bearing wIth The DEC

The NYSDEC is proposing to open almost all of Putnam County for bear hunting claiming that it will keep bears under control and minimize human-bear interaction, as if that's a real problem here where the country begins. Personally, I'd call the DEC and tell them that we don't have a bear problem, that we like our occasional visiting Yogi's and Booboo's and that they might, perhaps, keep Putnam free of even more guys with guns. On the other hand, if the DEC were to institute a hunting season for politicians that could be a viable alternative for term limits laws.

Burning Up With Burnwell

After a little phone call to Burnwell yesterday afternoon they brought the price of their delivered 46.2 gallons of propane down from $8.599 a gallon ($408.10)to $4.999 a gallon ($241.37), saying that was fair. Based on the evidence collected from you, dear readers, to what you are paying with other companies, it is. But there's still a note to the Attorney General's office regarding price gouging on Burnwell/Inergey's part (thanks, Bill), that should set some fires alight. I have to wonder how many customers simply pay the bill...

The Take Away wants to know how rising gas prices have changed your behavior.

Are you walking and cycling more? Have you changed your summer vacation plans? If so you can share how record gas prices have affected your life with this Google Map.

By completing a short form you can add how gas prices have affected your habits to the map. You can also add the price of gas in your area. Browsing the submitted reports on the map will also give you some handy hints on how you can cut down on your gas usage.

The Real Estate website Trulia has an interesting google-based map up that records the chance of a price-reduction in the cost of homes for sale.

For example, in the Mahopac area (by post office) the average listing is between $450k - $500k. If the property hasn't sold in 66 days, on average, the seller will reduce the price by about 5%. If it still doesn't move there's a 37% chance the price will be reduced again.

Amid the squalor and dust:
In order to settle the debts and fill the obligations
We budding agoraphobes trade virtual currency
On the metropolitan exchange of exurban transplantation.
This is the new parameter against which we measure our lives;
The boggy infrastructure through which we swim.
Percentages and exponents work their algebraic magic
And we are assured by those with the Knowledge
That we have achieved the American Dream.
We have gone from the lunar year to the solar year to the fiscal year
And our billfolds have emptied in favor of red-blue-green figures,
But the wise and courageous know that happiness
Cannot be measured by statistics.

There is room for about 6 cars, 3 per gravel pullout on either side, at the dead end of Pocket Road. Three white discs mark the beginning of the white-blazed Fishkill Ridge Trail just before the barrier with the conflicting NO TRESPASSING sign. According to the City of Beacon website, hikers are allowed to enter so go ahead and proceed beyond the barrier to start the hike. The water tower will be on your left. Continue on the paved road as it turns to gravel, crosses a power cut then skirts by a small reservoir on the left. Entering the woods, the trail becomes rockier and follows to the right of Dry Creek. This area is called Hemlock Gorge but there is an obvious absence of hemlocks. Some remnants litter the forest floor and there are a few very sickly upright specimens at the higher end of Dry Creek, probably in the last stages of succumbing to woolly adelgid infestation, a tragic killer of the once majestic hemlocks. As the trail ascends more steeply, you just might find yourself focusing your attention on the beautiful creek and waterfalls rather than the uphill climb.

This Weekend

Saturday, May 21

Putnam County Hazardous Waste Collection

9 AM - 1PM - Time to get rid of all that stuff under your kitchen sink and the bottles in the garage you can no longer identify. The county says they'll take drain cleaners and solvents and thinners and herbicides and phot chemicals and your old chemistry kit. What they won't take is latex paint, car batteries, used motor oil (bring that to any service garage where the smart ones strain it and use it in their oil burners) nor old computers and the like.

Kids Exploration and Nature Walk with Orange County Land Trust

10 AM - Led by noted naturalist Gary Keeton, this walk winds along The Tadpole Trail, the Land Trust's outdoor education trail for children, and throughout this 60-acre nature preserve. The preserve has an abundance of wildlife and two ponds that are home to beaver, blue and green herons, wood ducks, turtles, frogs and dragonflies. Numerous species of birds are found here, as well over 28 documented species of butterfly- one of the largest concentrations of butterfly in the eastern United States! Registration is not required but is appreciated by calling (845) 343-0840, x12 or e-mailing info@oclt.org.

A suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per family is greatly appreciated with all proceeds going towards the future stewardship of OCLT nature preserves. Directions to Hunter Farm Preserve can be found at http://www.oclt.org/mhunter.htm or by calling the Land Trust at (845) 343-0840, x12. Cancellation information will be recorded the morning of the hike at (845) 343-0840, x12. Location: Hunter Farm Preserve in Slate Hill

Arts on the Lake Spring Art Exhibit

1 PM - Opening Reception - Over two hundred new works by forty artists will be on display in the 5th Annual Spring Art Exhibit, which opens this weekend. The Opening Reception on Saturday, 1-5 pm, will include an Art Book Sale by the Friends of the Kent Library, music by Pallas Athene, Lindsay Hogan and Catherine Sischberg and refreshments organized by Rita Longabucco. (If you wish to add something, email longabucco.rita@gmail.com.)

Bert Rechtschaffer Jazz Trio

9PM - Bert Rechtschaffer on Keyboard, Jeff Whalen on Sax, Lew Scott on Bass. Music from the Great American Songbook and Jazz Standards at the Chill Wine Bar 173 Main Street Beacon, New York

Sunday, May 22

FrOGS Great Swamp Canoe Trips

Each year Friends of the Great Swamp leads canoe trips on the East Branch Croton River into one of the largest wetlands in New York State. Join us on one of these enjoyable adventures into the Great swamp and experience this beautiful and valuable resource for yourself. As we enter this magical wilderness we will explore the biodiversity and learn more about the values of this nationally significant wetland. The Swamp provides critical habitat for aquatic species as well as for migrating and breeding birds. We have seen Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Prothonotary Warblers and Common yellowthroats as well as Wood Duck, Mallards and many, many more. There are Turtles, Dragonflies, some fantastic plants and possibly catch a glimpse of a mink or a muskrat.
Explore the Swamp with FrOGS. Meet us at the Green Chimney’s Beach on Doansburg Road (formerly Putnam Lake Road) of Rte 22. FrOGS members will guide each trip and point out the birds and plants as we canoe.
All levels of paddlers are welcome. We will provide canoes, paddles, Life jackets (bring your won if you wish) and a licensed Lifeguard. We suggest you bring bottled water, sunglasses and layered clothing to accommodate temperature changes. We will canoe rain or shine. In extreme conditions, we ask that you call for cancellation and rescheduling information.
Reservations are a must and space is limited so get your reservations early! For information and reservations contact:
Laurie Wallace at (845-279-8858) or Laurwally@aol.com subject: Canoe Trip
$25.00 Adult Member, $12.00 Child (6 to 14 years) $29.00 Adult Non-member, $16.00 Child (6 to 14 years)

Michelle LeBlanc Jazz

2PM - Here's another chance to catch Michelle's exciting award winning show, "1950's JAZZ: Bop, Cool, R&B." Michelle will be playing with her top shelf trio: the talented arranger Tom Kohl on piano, Bill Conway on bass and the world touring sax player, Ed Xiques. Sponsors for this show include these Putnam County jazz lovers: Feehan Insurance Agency, Trebb Records and Desmond Fish Library. Suggested donation for this concert is $10. At the Desmond Fish Library, Route 403 & 9D in Garrison, NY Contact: 845-424-3020 or http://dfl.highlands.com

Can You Identify a Tree?

2PM - 4PM - Calling all youngsters in Grades 2 to 5 and their parents. Join us on Sunday, May 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. for a program entitled Can You ID a Tree? Enjoy a walk around Stony Kill and learn about all the different kind of trees at Stony Kill and how to ID them. Come see our tree cookie and learn how to tell how old a tree is. Dress appropriately, wear sunscreen and bring a water bottle. Reservations are required by calling us (845) 831-1617 or emailing us at foundation@stonykill.org

A Science Cafe is a monthly gathering in a Cafe, Pub or Restaurant, open to the public, with a short presentation of a topic followed by discussion. The essence of a Science Cafe is informality, with groups seated around tables with food and drink to encourage conversation. Hudson Valley Science Café usually meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month, except where noted. Website: http://www.cafescientifique.org/hudsonvalley.htm

Meeting site: Diana’s, 1015 Little Britain Road (Route 207), New Windsor (just east of Stewart Newburgh Airport, on the opposite side of the road from the airport entrance). See http://www.DIANASNY.com for menus and map. $3.00 admission fee includes coffee or tea. If you arrive at 6 PM, you can order from the Early Bird menu. No orders are taken during the Presentation (7:00-7:30).

Thursday, May 26

How Six Putnam County School Districts Can Become One

6:30PM - Featured speakers, including NY Assembly representatives Sandy Galef and Steve Katz, will provide a legislative perspective on the consolidation of the six existing School Districts of Putnam County into one countywide School District...a feat never before attempted in the state of New York.

Ms. Deborah Cunningham of the NY State Education Department (NYSED) will participate by lending her expertise on consolidation or centralizing and prior to May 26 we will confirm additional panelists.

At the Mahopac Public Library. Write to Jim Kirk for more information: jdkjjk@gmail.com

Friday, May 27

Uncommon Ground with guest Tim & Sylvia

8:30PM at the Towne Crier, Route 22 in Pawling. Uncommon Ground is a hot, pan-genre, acoustic music group from New York's Hudson Valley that is on a mission: to flex the boundaries of traditional music. Since making an impressive debut to a full house at the Towne Crier in 2007, they have continued their evolution into "the complete package" ... great vocals, fiery instrumental abilities and a continually evolving repertoire of well-crafted tunes. Their music bears an unmistakable stamp of originality without losing the authenticity of the original sources. Audiences delight in the thrill of musical discovery as the band performs a repertoire that includes music from such diverse sources as Bill Monroe, Gabriel Faure, Venezuelan Choros and Gypsy Jazz. Uncommon Ground draws on the talents of Mike Kobetitsch, and Wayne Fugate, both long-time veterans of the Bluegrass scene who have performed with Grammy award winner, Lisa Gutkin and a host of other noteworthies; the ever amazing Rachel Han! dman and Phil Helm, two principles in the Hudson Valley Philharmonic whose technical precision, fertile inventiveness, surprising touches and mastery of the Bluegrass genre give the band a distinctive, signature voice; and Craig Bitterman, whose percussion lays down a groove-infused rhythmic foundation that adds colors and textures that make their tunes really snap. :|: artist's home. $17.50 advance/ $22.50 door

Saturday, May 28

Giant Book Sale at the Kent Public Library

Take-A-Hike! Season Begins With The Birds of Foundry Preserve

8:30 to 10:30am - Join Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary Director Eric Lind for this birding hike in Foundry Preserve in Cold Spring. An accomplished wildlife photographer, Eric is just the person you want along to share his knowledge as you walk from the village to view a wide variety of species. Don't forget your binoculars!

"We're excited to kick off this season with Eric's hike. Learning to identify birds by sight and sound is a great way to get back into the outdoors," says Outreach Director MJ Martin. "And we're grateful to all our volunteers who help lead the excursions for us; without them, this popular program would not be possible."

A total of eight hikes have been scheduled for the season, with selections ranging from a tot-friendly musical jaunt to a more challenging trek up Breakneck Ridge. Check your mailboxes for the complete schedule.

All Take-A-Hike! programs are free, but registration is required. Contact the HHLT office at 845/424-3358 or info@hhlt.org to make sure you're on the Take-A-Hike! mailing list.

June

Friday, June 3

Hike Huckleberry Ridge State Forest

On Friday, June 3, 2011, representatives of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference and the Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will meet at the trailhead for the Minisink Trail on Route 6 in Greenville to mark expansion of recreational trail opportunities in the region and the transfer to the state of 389 acres on the Shawangunk Ridge. The land is to be added to Huckleberry Ridge State Forest in Orange County. Following the 10am press event, take a hike on the Minisink and Lenape Ridge Trails in the company of experienced Trail Conference volunteers. (Directions to trailhead are here.) Click here to let us know you plan to come.

Background: Just a decade ago, no state forest land existed on the Shawangunk Ridge in Orange County. With this transfer, Huckleberry Ridge State Forest now comprises nearly 1500 acres.

The Trail Conference was instrumental in creating this state forest, working closely with the Trust for Public Land and DEC on the first 527-acre acquisition nearly a decade ago. The Trail Conference subsequently purchased an additional 980 acres in this region using funds from its Land Acquisition and Stewardship Fund (LASF). With this transfer, 958 of those acres will have been transferred to New York State, nearly tripling the size of the Huckleberry Ridge State Forest.

Sheilah Rechtschaffer Green in Vietnam

Michelle LeBlanc Jazz Duo

7PM: Michelle LeBlanc with Tom Kohl on piano at the The Division Street Grill, 26 North Division Street, Peekskill NY 10566. Call for dinner reservations: 914 739 6380 www.DivisionStreetGrill.com Join us for an evening in my favorite small city at the jazz club that sparked the Peekskill jazz renaissance.

Saturday, June 4 - National Trails Day

NY/NJ Trails Conference Annual Meeting

Bear Mountain State Park: On June 4, the Trail Conference will open a wheelchair accessible section of the Appalachian Trail on the summit of Bear Mountain. For the past year, Trail Conference volunteers have been hard at work building this ADA-compliant segment of this historic and nationally celebrated long-distance trail. The trail will allow wheelchair users to enter the woods and view the Hudson River and Valley from one of the region’s most scenic spots.
At 10:30 AM, we will open and dedicate the trail. Later in the day, the Trail Conference will have its Summer Meeting on the lawn below Bear Mountain. There will be food and music by the acclaimed urban bluegrass group, Two Dollar Goat.
The event is co-sponsored by Disney/ABC and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Places. Members of the Disney team will be on hand to help.What's Happening When8:00: Departure of early hike to summit of Bear Mountain from Fort Montgomery Historic Site (co-sponsored by Mid-Hudson ADK)10:00: Morning refreshments at Trailhead of the ADA-compliant segment of the Appalachian Trail at summit of Bear Mountain10:30: Opening ceremony and Dedication10:45: Hike or drive down to Lawn (Options from easy to strenuous available)12:00-varied: Lunch on the Lawn with Music by Two Dollar Goat. Hikers arrive from a variety of trails, eat, enjoy music.Rain or shine under tent!1:30 (estimated): Meeting
All programs are free! Lunch: $15 donation. RSVP for lunch by sending a check or going to our donation page. Please indicate your RSVP in the comment box.
Questions, comments, or phone reservations, contact Joanne Reinhardt at jreinhardt@nynjtc.org or x26 at the office

FrOGS Great Swamp Canoe Trips

Each year Friends of the Great Swamp leads canoe trips on the East Branch Croton River into one of the largest wetlands in New York State. Join us on one of these enjoyable adventures into the Great swamp and experience this beautiful and valuable resource for yourself. As we enter this magical wilderness we will explore the biodiversity and learn more about the values of this nationally significant wetland. The Swamp provides critical habitat for aquatic species as well as for migrating and breeding birds. We have seen Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Prothonotary Warblers and Common yellowthroats as well as Wood Duck, Mallards and many, many more. There are Turtles, Dragonflies, some fantastic plants and possibly catch a glimpse of a mink or a muskrat.
Explore the Swamp with FrOGS. Meet us at the Green Chimney’s Beach on Doansburg Road (formerly Putnam Lake Road) of Rte 22. FrOGS members will guide each trip and point out the birds and plants as we canoe.
All levels of paddlers are welcome. We will provide canoes, paddles, Life jackets (bring your won if you wish) and a licensed Lifeguard. We suggest you bring bottled water, sunglasses and layered clothing to accommodate temperature changes. We will canoe rain or shine. In extreme conditions, we ask that you call for cancellation and rescheduling information.
Reservations are a must and space is limited so get your reservations early! For information and reservations contact:
Laurie Wallace at (845-279-8858) or Laurwally@aol.com subject: Canoe Trip
$25.00 Adult Member, $12.00 Child (6 to 14 years) $29.00 Adult Non-member, $16.00 Child (6 to 14 years)

Rain Barrel Building Workshop

Although we don’t often think about it, storm water can play an enormous part in the condition of our rivers, creeks, ponds, lakes, and wetlands. When it rains, this water is usually channeled into storm drains to be taken to the closest body of water. As storm water travels across the grounds’ surface as runoff, it can pick up different types of pollutants, washing them into our water bodies. You can help! Rain barrels are a great option to better manage excess storm water from your roof. The water is captured before it picks up pollutants, and it is safe to use for watering plants. A rain barrel can save gardeners up to 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months!

This workshop will help you learn to better manage storm water AND will help you build your own 55 gallon rain barrel to take home. Cost: $45 per person, includes cost of rain barrel. To Register: contact Angela Sullivan, 677-8223 x 114

Orange County Earth and Water Festival

11AM - 5PM- The OCWA is pleased to announce that the 4th Annual Earth and Water Festival will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery, NY. This unique festival is family-friendly, intimate, educational and of course, lots of fun! Stay an hour or stay all day. Bring a blanket, the kids and even your dog and enjoy the fresh air, listen to live music and entertaining performances by highly talented local musicians and peformers. Visit the Green Expo area at the festival and learn from many local vendors how they are making a difference by being "green" or what sustainable goods and services they provide. Buy fresh homemade bread, baked goods, produce and plants in the Farmers Market. Let the kids run wild in the Children's Activity tent (big festival favorite).

Live performances this year are diverse, colorful, creative, fun and always entertaining. Returning this year by popular demand are:

Arm-of-the-Sea Theater: Performing "To Fuel the Fire", a free-wheeling allegory about the ecological costs of energy. This tragic comedy features primordial masks and kinetic puppet figures, vivid paintings, whimsical props and live music. Their performances are award-winning and are a must see! You know it's good when a festival full of people stop to watch and listen. Click here to visit their website http://www.armofthesea.org/

Maxwell Kofi Donkor and the Sankofa Drum and Dance Ensamble: Their african drumming and dancing is interactive, makes your feet tap and people dance, and puts a smile on everyone's face. Click here to visit their website http://www.bak2roots.com/

"iS"coustic: This unusual, three piece jam band delivers live performances to electrify audiences. The bands name, which loosely means "the present tense" emphasizes their improvisational nature. They offer a unique experience that includes original diverse, memorable songs and exceptional musicianship. Click here to visit their website http://whatitis.biz/

Snakeman's Snake Show: Their performance will teach the audience about the environment and how snakes provide their part for the balance of nature. Their show is both interactive and hands-on with real live snakes, which will educate as well as entertain you. They will be at the festival all day and will do a special performance on the stage for everyone to enjoy! Click here to visit their website http://www.jerrythesnakeman.com/

New to the stage this year are Half Jester and Little Sparrow. These bands will delight and keep audiences moving. More details and the full performance schedule for follow soon.

Sunday, June 5

Michelle LeBlanc Trio: The American Songbook

2:30PM - 4PM Featuring Tom Kohl on piano and Bill Crow on bass. This free concert is open to the public. Ann Marie Parish, Event Coordinator for the Plaza has attended our concerts at Arts on the Lake in Kent NY and loves our sound We were glad to get her call, inviting us to perform for Plaza residents and the public. We will set up on their lovely patio overlooking the grounds. If rain is forecasted, we'll move inside. Join us for a lovely afternoon. The Plaza at Clover Lake, 838 Fair Street, Carmel NY 10512 Call 845-878-4111 for more information.

Tuesday, June 7

Distinguished Environmental Achievement Award Ceremony

5:30PM - 8 PM - Mohonk Consultations, Inc Presents Laura Heady with its Distinguished Environmental Achievement Award As the 2011 winner of Mohonk Consultations' Environmental Award, Laura is a true campaigner for biodiversity in our neck of the woods. She served last year as the keynote speaker at our Forum on Biodiversity. Since 2006, Laura has been Biodiversity Outreach Coordinator for the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program in partnership with Cornell University. She helps municipal and regional partners to integrate biodiversity and habitat protection into conservation plans, smart growth strategies, environmental planning and preservation.

Reservations are required for each of our events. Call 845-256-2726 to reserve and/ or to ask for an invitation to the Award Ceremony. If you would like to be placed on our mailing list, please call 845-256-2726 or email mohonkconsultations@hvi.net Location: Mohonk Mountain House

Friday, June 10

The Environmental Footprint of Marcellus Shale Gas

7PM - New natural gas extraction technology has led to an increase in the exploration of organic-rich shale in the United States. In New York State, the Marcellus Shale formation has captured the public’s attention. Will gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale be a boon, providing cleaner domestic energy, or a bust, contaminating our air and water resources? Find out answers from Duke University’s Rob Jackson. His research captures the latest science on the impacts of shale-gas extraction and fracking.
Location: Cary Institute's auditorium, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Route 44) in Millbrook, New York.

Six New One-Act Plays

8PM - Six new one-act plays from Tony Howarth's Playwright's Workshop. Plays by Pat O'Connor, Gabby Fox and Carol Mark, directed by Tony Howarth. At the Cultural Center on Lake Carmel, Route 52 just south of the Route 311 Causeway.

Tannahill Weavers

8:30PM - The legendary Tannahill Weavers, one of Scotland's premier traditional bands, play a diverse repertoire that spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians consistently garner worldwide accolades for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can't get better ...yet continue to do just that. "An especially eloquent mixture of the old and the new." -New York Times; "Scotland's Tannahill Weavers play acoustic instruments, but the atmosphere at their shows is electric! The quintet is as tight and as versatile as any band in the Celtic music revival. They can summon rock 'n' roll intensity or haunting introspection." -The Boston Globe; "...as close to perfect as it gets in an imperfect world." -Sing Out! At the Towne Crier Cafe - $30 advance/ $35 door

Saturday, June 11

7th Annual Family Festival and Sleep Over Under the Stars

With over 400 attendees and all campsites filled, last year's event was our most successful ever. Reserve early to make sure you and your family can join the fun this year!

Campout: $50 (Includes festival/BBQ admission and breakfast. Pre-registration is required. Just fill out and send in the form.)

To purchase tickets, visit the HHLT office, email info@hhlt.org, or call 845/424-3358. Proceeds from the Family Festival benefit the Garrison and Haldane environmental education programs.

Be Part of the Team
Meet your neighbors and make new friends when you volunteer. We are looking for people to help with parking, food prep, or the raffle booth. Call us at 845/424-3358 or email info@hhlt.org to let us know your availablity and interests.

Six New One-Act Plays

8PM - Six new one-act plays from Tony Howarth's Playwright's Workshop. Plays by Pat O'Connor, Gabby Fox and Carol Mark, directed by Tony Howarth. At the Cultural Center on Lake Carmel, Route 52 just south of the Route 311 Causeway.

"July Moon" A documentary by Karen Person

7:30PM - A screening & discussion with the Director/Producer/Filmmaker – Karen Person presented by The Schoolhouse and the Putnam Arts Council. Join us as we return to 1969 with Buzz Aldrin as he unfolds the story of Apollo 11 landing on the Moon and provides insight and context to this historic event. The film reflects the space program of that era, its triumphs and tragedies, and documents the culmination of an young, optimistic President’s promise. Film to be screened in the Schoolhouse Theater – 3 Owens Rd., Croton Falls, NY Tickets $10 which includes light refreshments. Reservations recommended – 914.277.8477(Schoolhouse) or 845.803.8622 (PAC).

Saturday, June 25

Beacon Riverfest

Following the rousing success of its illustrious debut last year, where attendance was estimated at 2,500 people, Local 845 will present the second annual BEACON RIVERFEST, a free day-long outdoor music festival held in the city’s Riverfront Park, on Saturday, June 25.

BEACON RIVERFEST is free and open to the public. Rain location is University Settlement.

BEACON RIVERFEST is growing in its second year with new stuff:

ART GUITARS
In May, lookout for “Beacon Riverfest Art Guitars,” a citywide public display of more than 40 wood guitars each painted by a different local artist. On June 18, beginning at 6PM, a week before Beacon Riverfest (June 25), the guitars will be on auction at the Marion Royael Gallery, 460 Main Street in Beacon. Proceeds from the auction will be split evenly between the artists and Beacon Riverfest.

ROCK BAND BOOT CAMP
In partnership with Beacon's Department of Recreation, Local 845 offers "Rock Band Boot Camp," a fun and inspiring workshop where students learn how to work together and play as a rock band. Sessions are offered to teens and adults year round. Playing in Local 845's Boot Camp energizes and inspires students of all ages. The Spring 2011 session for teens (April 27-June 15) will culminate in a live performance at Beacon Riverfest, where students will share center stage with headlining acts.

Local 845 presents a rich variety of original rock, folk, jazz and contemporary musical artists year-round at a variety of hospitable venues, including Beacon's historical Howland Cultural Center and more non-traditional locales such as Open Space Gallery, University Settlement Camp and Spire Studios. In addition to launching Beacon Riverfest in 2010, Local 845 also produced "Pete Seeger If I Had A Hammer: Concert For a House," a benefit for Habitat for Humanity presented at Washington's Headquarters in Newburgh, New York. In August 2011, Local 845 will present "Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park Summer Concert Series," four weekly free concerts in Beacon's newly renovated Long Dock Park, and its "In The Pines" concerts will expand this year to become a spring and summer series at Beacon's University Settlement Camp.

Sloan Wainwright Band

8:30PM - Folk-pop artist Sloan Wainwright belongs to a musical dynasty of impossibly gifted singer-songwriters. Her family tree (brother and folk-music luminary Loudon Wainwright, sister-in-law Kate McGarrigle, nephew Rufus Wainwright, nieces Martha Wainwright and Lucy Wainwright Roche) reads like a who's who of contemporary folk music. Sloan's incredible gift is not only her unique songwriting ability but her dramatically voiced rendition of her original songs. "She's folk-influenced, obviously (you can't grow up in the First Family of Folk and not be, one imagines), but the real star here is her voice. Warm and smoky and smooth, it makes her earthy, ominous lyrics seem all the more intense." Defying standard categorization, singer/songwriter Sloan Wainwright consistently demonstrates her easy command of a variety of American musical styles --pop, folk, jazz and blues-- held together by the melodious tone of her rich contralto. The end result, a un! ique and soulful hybrid. "A lot of singer-songwriters are whitebread. Sloan is whole grain." -WFMT Radio, Rich Warren; "...Sloan Wainwright, whose regal voice could fell a redwood." -The Boston Globe; "...earth mother voice that she pours into unexpectedly sensitive blends of folk, jazz, blues and funk." -The New York Times $25 advance/ $30 door At the Towne Crier Cafe

July

Thursday, July 7

Wappinger Creek Walk

5PM - In celebration of Creek Week and Dutchess County Watershed Awareness Month the Cary Institute and Cornell Cooperative Extension will host an interpretive hike along the Wappinger Creek Trail. This family friendly event will engage children and adults in hands-on activities. Participants will sample macro-invertebrates and learn about water quality issues. Wear sturdy waterproof shoes and bring your camera and drinking water. To RSVP please visit http://carywappingercreekwalk.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn. Location: Cary East (Gifford House) parking area, located at 2917 Sharon Turnpike (Rte. 44) in Millbrook, N.Y.

Saturday, July 9

Long Dock Park Celebration

1PM - 6PM - Help us celebrate the opening of this new and improved Hudson Riverfront park in high style. Take to the water on a free kayak paddle, try out a new bike on the Klara Sauer Trail, join a guided tour of exciting park features, including Scenic Hudson’s River Center, our new venue for arts and environmental activities. If that’s not enough, you can test your mettle at hula-hooping and enjoy a great lineup of live performers—all while admiring magnificent Hudson River vistas.

LIVE PERFORMANCES by:
Arm-of-the-Sea Theater
Uncle Rock
We Must Be
The Big Takeover

Event Location: Long Dock Rd. Beacon, NY 12508 - On the river side of the Beacon Train Station.

Friday, July 15

Dire Predictions: Understanding Global Warming

7PM - Climatologist Dr. Michael Mann will review the evidence for human influence on the climate, including measurements available for the past two centuries and paleoclimate observations spanning more than a millennium. He will also address how climate change will influence the world we live in, from sea level rise and severe weather to changes in the water supply. His lecture will conclude with a frank discussion about possible solutions to the climate change. A key contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, Dr. Mann is author of more than 130 peer-reviewed and edited publications, and recently co-authored the book “Dire Predictions: Understanding Global Warming” with colleague Lee Kump. He is also a co-founder and avid contributor to the award-winning science website www.realclimate.org. Location: Cary Institute's auditorium, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Route 44) in Millbrook, New York.

July 21 - 24

Gathering of the Vibes

Seaside Park, Bridgeport, CT - Gathering of the Vibes, the Northeast’s acclaimed music festival destination, will “bring the magic” once again with a 4-day extravaganza of eclectic music, arts and community, July 21-24, 2011 at Connecticut’s magnificent Seaside Park. The rumor mill is swirling with artist announcements around the corner. Gathering of the Vibes promises its most spectacular and diverse lineup to date, delivering over 40 hours of music on multiple stages. Powerhouse Vibes alumni include: The Allman Brothers, Crosby Stills & Nash, Furthur with Phil Lesh & Bob Weir, James Brown, The Black Crowes, and Damian Marley and Nas, alongside breakout acts like Umphrey’s McGee, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Jackie Greene, and tri-state favorites The McLovins. The Vibes also warmly embraces new, virtually unknown artists, who may submit music for consideration through sonic bids.

Explore the outdoors in the Town of Kent, New YorkChuckie Goodnight FoundationTo educate children on how to be good stewards of the earth.Brown Ink Commercial Printing600 Horsepound Road, Kent Lakes, NY 10512 (845) 225-0177Greg BrownOne Click ButterCutterThe BEST Way to Handle Butter!